Carrots Nantes - Linda's Original Seeds
- Brand: Linda's Original Seeds
- Product Code: 103915195
- Availability: 25
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R40.00
Carrot Nantes by Linda's Original Seeds.
Grow the classic Nantes carrot: smooth, blunt-tipped roots with bright orange flesh, a small tender core, and a sweet flavour that works raw, cooked, or juiced. This open-pollinated variety is popular with South African home gardeners because it germinates reliably in loose soil, holds well in the ground, and is slower to bolt than many types.
Why Nantes carrots perform well in South African gardens:
Nantes types produce uniform cylindrical roots (typically about 15–20 cm) rather than a long taper. They prefer cooler growing temperatures (about 15–20 °C), even moisture, and deep, stone-free, well-drained soil. High heat can make roots coarser and stronger-flavoured; compacted or rocky soil causes forking.
Key traits:
- Sweet, tender flesh with a small core
- Smooth skin that needs only a scrub
- Suitable for baby carrots, bunches, or mature roots
- Good field holding
- Easy for raised beds, containers with depth, and open garden beds
How to sow:
Direct sow only (do not transplant). Sow 5–10 mm deep in moist soil, keep the surface consistently damp until germination (often 7–21 days). Thin to about 5 cm between plants. Full sun to light shade; keep soil evenly moist. Avoid high-nitrogen fertiliser and fresh manure, which encourage forked or hairy roots.
Best time to grow Nantes carrots in South Africa:
Carrots are a cool-season crop. The most reliable windows nationwide are late summer into autumn (roughly February–April) and late winter into spring (roughly July–September). Avoid the hottest midsummer months where possible.
Approximate regional windows:
- Highveld (Gauteng, parts of Mpumalanga, North West, Free State): late August to mid-March
- Middleveld / temperate zones: August to mid-April
- Western Cape: August to end of March
- Lowveld and hotter frost-free areas: February–April and July–August
- KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and coast: July–April in many districts
Successive sowings every 2–3 weeks extend the harvest. Maturity is often 65–80 days in warmer periods and a little longer in cooler weather. Check local frost and heat patterns; light frost is usually tolerated, but extreme heat or water stress reduces quality.
Linda’s Original Seeds are produced in South Africa for local conditions. Use them for fresh eating, cooking, juicing, and companion planting with onions, leeks, chives, or garlic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to plant Nantes carrot seeds in South Africa?
Late summer to autumn (February–April) and late winter to spring (July–September) are the most reliable periods. Exact months depend on region: Highveld gardens often sow from late August to mid-March; hotter Lowveld areas do better February–April and July–August. Avoid peak summer heat for the sweetest, smoothest roots. - How long do Nantes carrots take to grow?
Typically 65–80 days from sowing to harvest, depending on temperature. Cooler weather slows growth slightly. You can pull baby carrots earlier. - What soil do Nantes carrots need?
Loose, deep, well-drained sandy loam free of stones and compaction, pH around 6.0–6.8. Heavy or rocky soil causes forked roots. Raised beds and well-prepared beds work well. - Can I grow these carrots in containers?
Yes, if the container is deep enough (at least 25–30 cm) and filled with light, stone-free mix. Keep moisture even and thin seedlings properly. - Are Linda’s Original Nantes seeds heirloom and non-GMO?
Yes. They are untreated, open-pollinated heirloom-type seeds produced in South Africa and suited to home vegetable gardens.
